Families of Protest Victims Dispersed by Police During March to State House

By : Mweru Mbugua 

Protesters marching to the State House today were forced to disperse after General Service Unit (GSU) officers deployed teargas at the junction of Nyerere Road and Mamlaka Road

The demonstration, organised by parents and relatives of youths killed during the 2024–2025 anti-government protests, was intended to petition President William Ruto over what they describe as prolonged delays in justice and accountability

The procession began at Jeevanjee Gardens early Monday morning, with anti-riot police present from the outset

As the march moved toward Procession Way, GSU officers erected a roadblock at the Nyerere and Mamlaka Road junction

Attempts to continue were met with additional police deployment and teargas, forcing participants to scatter

Families highlighted that as of December 18, 2025 547 days after the death of Rex Masai no police officer has been held accountable for the killings

They also criticised the government for delays in delivering justice and compensation, despite a presidential proclamation issued on August 8, 2025, outlining a framework for reparations to victims of police violence dating back to 2017

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The demonstration was planned as a peaceful assembly. In a formal notice, the families requested that police respect Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and petition public authorities peacefully and unarmed

“Please note that this is a peaceful assembly; participants will carry only flowers and the national flag

We formally request a police escort to ensure the safety of all attendees and to maintain public order during the procession,” the notice read

“This is not a protest but a plea for justice, and we trust that the police will not harass, assault, or arrest grieving parents and siblings seeking to meet the President.”